When show jumping returns to HITS Culpeper for two consecutive weeks in late August, all eyes will be on the third annual United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals that will take place on August 23 during the Winston National. Following a ringside dinner reception hosted by Bridgewater College, around 35 talented exhibitors will take aim at the course set in the majestic grand prix ring at HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, VA. “HITS has taken...

Parker, CO - The CN FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships at the Colorado Horse Park presented by Gotham North finished with a three-hour closing ceremonies at the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, Colorado today. The four-day championship competition wrapped up with the Junior and Young Rider Musical Freestyles in Dressage, Stadium Jumping in Eventing, the Individual Finals in Show Jumping, and the Individual Finals in Reining. Already having locked down the Team Gold on Friday,...

Jennie Brannigan and Cooper (Kenneth Braddick) By Joanie Morris Parker, CO - Despite another very busy day of competition at the 2008 CN FEI North American Junior/Young Ride Championships at the Colorado Horse Park presented by Gotham North, only one medal was decided. The North American Individual Young Rider Gold Medalist Katie Johnson rode a stellar test on Millenium to take top honors on a score of 69.050%. The 19-year-old rider from El Cajon, CA was a member of the Region 7 Gold medal...

Did you know that some wilderness management agencies are trying to restrict the use of horses on public lands? Or that the U.S. Forest Service is planning new trail classifications, which might limit our activities? Did you hear about the new bill that could eliminate the current fees for accessing undeveloped federal land? The outcome of these kinds of concerns can have far-reaching consequences, yet they often come and go with little public awareness. But Back Country Horsemen of America...

MaxWest Environmental Systems, Inc.m and Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA) have announced a partnership to convert horse waste into renewable energy. Signed on June 19, the partnership will reduce horse waste while generating "green" energy for the Ocala/Marion County community. Ocala/Marion County is home to 431 Thoroughbred breeding and training farms covering more than 70,000 acres of Florida's prime, mineral-rich pastures. Since 1945, FTBOA has represented the...

The popular Gold Coast Horse Show Series wrapped up its fifth show of the seven show season on July 20 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Exhibitors entered over to 300 horses, attracted by the wide range of classes, the convenient schedule and outstanding staff. Laura Mormann especially appreciates the scheduling since she attends college near San Francisco. All of her classes are on one day so she is able to commute. "All my classes are on Saturday," she said. "I’m all done showing in one...

The human and animal kingdoms may be enjoying a quiet summer/winter weekend, depending on the hemisphere, but it is a key one for the horses taking part in the equestrian events of the 2008 Olympic Games. On Friday, July 25, the first horses left from Europe (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) and the United States (Atlanta, GA) on three flights to Hong Kong. All 33 horses—coming from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Korea, The Netherlands, and Switzerland—accompanied by 15 attendants...

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announces that sales of their Horses Inspire Olympic Rings have raised in excess of $40,000 for the FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC). Over the next couple of months, that number is expected to double. The Horses Inspire Olympic Rings are bracelets made of red, white, and blue rings imprinted with “achieve,” “believe,” and “dream,” held together by a Team USA and an Olympic Rings clasp. Passion clasps may be added to...

The United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) is proud to announce the creation of the Emerging Athletes Program. This program supports continuing efforts to bring educational and developmental opportunities to the grassroots members of the sport. The USHJA Emerging Athletes Program consists of a system of identifying and nurturing talented young riders. The program’s mission is to provide these riders with the support and assistance necessary to facilitate the opportunity to reach their...

After much deliberation and careful assessment, the Western States Trail Foundation Board of Governors regrets to announce the cancellation of the 2008 Tevis Cup Ride due to the California fires. "It was a difficult decision," reported Western States Trail Foundation (WSTF) President Tom Christofk. "But after in-depth discussion today with the U.S. Forest Service, we have decided that any level of risk was not appropriate. The Forest Service has graciously offered us some options for re-routing...